Larsson was among several players out of contract at Sunderland last summer, including Jack Colback, who switched to their rivals Newcastle.

Poyet said: ”Three or four players were finishing their contracts and we wanted to keep them. There were a couple of situations that broke down very quickly, especially Jack Colback, when we couldn’t win a game around March, so everything was on standby.

“After we finished the season the way we finished, I thought it was more possible that we would keep Jack, but I was wrong. We were negotiating with both of them and we ended up with Seb, so plenty of credit to him for wanting to stay here.

“He’s an important player and I think he’s really enjoying his football.”

Larsson’s form in the heart of Poyet’s midfield is one of the main reasons that Jack Rodwell can’t establish himself in the side following his move from Manchester City.

But the reaction of Rodwell and Vito Mannone, the keeper deposed by Costel Pantilimon, to being sidelined has impressed Poyet.

The manager said: ”Jack Rodwell’s not playing but that’s not because of Jack - that’s because of Seb and Jordi Gomez.

“I still think Vito Mannone is a very important player and I will never forget what he did last year, but now Pantilimon is playing and Vito needs to wait.

Out in the cold: Larsson and Gomez are keeping Rodwell out of the team (Image: Mike Hewitt)

“It’s not because he is no good, it’s just because there is another player on the pitch.

“Their reaction has been good and that is down to the staff and the players themselves and how they get on with it.

“That’s the attitude you need and is fundamental to winning things and doing well.”

Sunderland will be without Connor Wickham today. He is suspended after picking up his fifth booking at Newcastle and Ricky Alvarez is set to replace him.

Poyet was astonished by the response to Sunderland’s win at Newcastle. He said: ”I have seen a few fans where I live and I got a good reception, with a few Sunderland shirts hanging from the windows.

"Imagine how hard it was for the people to control themselves who have supported this club all of their life because we were ballistic on the bench. It was unique, special, so special.

“It is the best part of the football, it is not aboutmoney. It showed that the most multi-millionaire people in the world would pay money whatever money it would take to be involved in a situation like that.

"You can’t pay for that. No matter who you are. It’s not about money it’s about being good enough.”